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Industrial societies are societies where people rely on machines
for all their needs. In these societies, many processes are automated and people
are just a part of the system. The United States, Western European countries,
and Japan are examples of industrialized societies.
These societies heavily rely on raw materials, such as forest products, fossil
fuels, and minerals. The fear of these raw materials being exhausted arises from
the rapid pace at which they are being consumed. Forests, for instance, are
being cleared for the production of paper and furniture, and the demand for
paper is increasing fast. The speculation of petroleum running out by the end of
the century is also a concern, as well as the limited stock of coal that is
expected to last only a few decades.
However, by the middle of the 21st century, the situation may not be as dire as
expected. Science and human ingenuity will work together to find a solution. New
materials and processes, as well as recycling, could be the answer. Already,
man-made fibers and plastics, which were not even thought of a few decades ago,
are now widely used and made from waste materials.
Advances in technology, such as television and other forms of communication, may
reduce the need for paper. Instead of writing letters, people may use tape
recording, and instead of books, we may have microfilms. Recycling has a lot of
potential and can convert useless material into something useful.
Moreover, the exploitation of the sea floor, which covers three-quarters of the
earth, has not been fully utilized. With man's capacity to survive and his
previous history of overcoming obstacles, there is hope that a solution will be
found before the raw materials are exhausted.
In conclusion, the danger of an industrial society collapsing by the middle of
the 21st century due to the exhaustion of raw materials is a concern that must
be addressed. However, with science and human ingenuity, a solution can be found
to ensure the sustainable use of raw materials and the longevity of industrial
societies. |
